U.S. patent application number 10/010387 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-12 for method of operating a dispensing cabinet.
Invention is credited to Meek, Robert B. JR., Spano, Philip H. JR..
Application Number | 20030109956 10/010387 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21745530 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030109956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spano, Philip H. JR. ; et
al. |
June 12, 2003 |
Method of operating a dispensing cabinet
Abstract
A method of operating a dispensing cabinet to identify the
locations where items to be dispensed are located is comprised of a
login step in which user information is entered into a processor
controlling the dispensing cabinet. The processor unlocks certain
doors of the dispensing cabinet in response to the user
information. Assuming that a locate mode of operation has been
chosen, the locations of the items to be located are determined by
the processor. An alpha-numeric display positioned on a shelf
within the cabinet begins flashing with the number of items to be
located that are held by that shelf. After the user identifies the
shelves having flashing alpha-numeric displays, the user may enter
a dispense mode or may logoff causing the unlocked doors to
lock.
Inventors: |
Spano, Philip H. JR.;
(McKees Rocks, PA) ; Meek, Robert B. JR.;
(Pittsburgh, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THORP REED & ARMSTRONG, LLP
ONE OXFORD CENTRE
301 GRANT STREET, 14TH FLOOR
PITTSBURGH
PA
15219-1425
US
|
Family ID: |
21745530 |
Appl. No.: |
10/010387 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/237 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/0092 20130101;
G07F 17/12 20130101; A61G 12/001 20130101; G07F 11/62 20130101;
G07F 5/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/237 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method, comprising: entering user information into a processor
controlling a dispensing cabinet; said processor unlocking certain
doors of the dispensing cabinet in response to said user
information; choosing a locate mode; identifying an item to be
located; flashing a display positioned on a shelf within the
cabinet with the number of items held by that shelf which are to be
located; logging off; and locking the unlocked doors.
2. The method of claim 1 additionally comprising the step of
entering patient information.
3. The method of claim 2 additionally comprising the steps of
opening one of the unlocked doors, selecting a compartment,
entering the number of items taken, and closing the opened
door.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of choosing a locate
mode includes choosing from among a dispense, locate, return and
restock mode.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of identifying an item
to be located includes one of picking an item from a pick list,
inputting identifying information with a keypad, and barcode
scanning.
6. A method, comprising: entering user information into a processor
controlling a dispensing cabinet; said processor unlocking certain
doors of the dispensing cabinet in response to said user
information; entering patient information into the processor;
choosing a locate mode; identifying an item to be located; flashing
a display positioned on a shelf within the cabinet with the number
of items held by that shelf which are to be located; opening an
unlocked door behind which there is a shelf with a flashing
display; selecting a compartment; zeroing the display in response
to the selection of a compartment; identifying the number of items
taken from the selected compartment; displaying the number of items
taken on the display; closing the opened door; logging off; and
locking the unlocked doors.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said step of choosing a locate
mode includes choosing from among a dispense, locate, return and
restock mode.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein said step of identifying an item
to be located includes one of picking an item from a pick list,
inputting identifying information with a keypad, and barcode
scanning.
9. A method of identifying a shelf within a cabinet, said shelf
carrying at least one item to be located by a user, said method
comprising the step of causing a numeric display to flash a number
that is the number of items to be located which are carried by the
shelf.
10. A method, comprising: entering user information into a
processor controlling a dispensing cabinet; said processor
unlocking certain doors of the dispensing cabinet in response to
said user information; choosing a query mode; identifying an item
for which information is sought; displaying information for the
identified item; logging off, and locking the unlocked doors.
11. The method of claim 10 additionally comprising the step of
entering patient information.
12. The method of claim 11 additionally comprising the steps of
opening one of the unlocked doors, selecting a compartment,
entering the number of items taken, and closing the opened
door.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein said step of choosing a query
mode includes choosing from among a dispense, locate, return, query
and restock mode.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein said step of identifying an item
for which information is sought includes one of picking an item
from a pick list, inputting identifying information with a keypad,
and barcode scanning.
15. A method, comprising: entering user information into a
processor controlling a dispensing cabinet; said processor
unlocking certain doors of the dispensing cabinet in response to
said user information; entering patient information into the
processor; choosing a query mode; identifying an item for which
information is sought; displaying information for the identified
item; opening an unlocked door; selecting a compartment;
identifying the number of items taken from the selected
compartment; displaying the number of items taken on a display;
closing the opened door; logging off; and locking the unlocked
doors.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein said step of choosing a query
mode includes choosing from among a dispense, locate, return, query
and restock mode.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein said step of identifying an item
includes one of picking an item from a pick list, inputting
identifying information with a keypad, and barcode scanning.
18. A memory device carrying a set of instructions which, when
executed, perform a method comprising: receiving user information;
unlocking certain doors of a dispensing cabinet in response to said
user information; receiving mode information identifying a locate
mode; receiving information identifying an item to be located;
flashing a display positioned on a shelf within the cabinet with
the number of items held by that shelf which are to be located;
receiving a log off instruction; and locking the unlocked
doors.
19. The memory device of claim 18 additionally comprising the step
of receiving patient information.
20. A memory device carrying a set of instructions which, when
executed, perform a method comprising: receiving user information;
unlocking certain doors of a dispensing cabinet in response to said
user information; receiving patient information; receiving mode
information identifying a locate mode; receiving information
identifying an item to be located; flashing a display positioned on
a shelf within the cabinet with the number of items held by that
shelf which are to be located; receiving information selecting a
compartment; zeroing the display in response to the selection of a
compartment; receiving the number of items taken from the selected
compartment; displaying the number of items taken on the display;
receiving a log off instruction; and locking the unlocked
doors.
21. A memory device carrying a set of instructions which, when
executed, perform a method comprising: receiving user information;
unlocking certain doors of a dispensing cabinet in response to said
user information; receiving information identifying a query mode;
receiving information identifying an item for which information is
sought; displaying information for the identified item; receiving a
log off instruction; and locking the unlocked doors.
22. The memory device of claim 21 additionally comprising the step
of receiving patient information.
23. A memory device carrying a set of instructions which, when
executed, perform a method comprising: receiving user information;
unlocking certain doors of the dispensing cabinet in response to
said user information; receiving patient information; receiving
information identifying a query mode; receiving information
identifying an item for which information is sought; displaying
information for the identified item; receiving information
selecting a compartment; receiving information identifying the
number of items taken from the selected compartment; displaying the
number of items taken on a display; receiving a log off
instruction; and locking the unlocked doors.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to methods for dispensing
items and more particularly, to methods of dispensing medications
and supplies from a medication/medical supply cabinet.
[0003] 2. Description of the Background
[0004] A wide variety of systems are used in medical facilities for
the dispensing and inventory of medications and medical supplies.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,450 discloses a supply station
with an internal computer. The supply station is comprised of a
cabinet having a plurality of lockable doors. Information is
provided to a computer which unlocks the doors causing the doors to
open slightly. To aid the user in selecting the appropriate
compartment, the information input to the computer may be used to
not only cause the appropriate door to unlock for opening, but also
a lamp or lamps in the compartment where the dispensable items are
stored may be illuminated. The computer may be used to
simultaneously and automatically update a patient's record, billing
information and hospital inventory. The relevant data may be
displayed on a display or printed on a sheet of paper by a printer
connected to the computer.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,297 is directed to an auxiliary storage
and dispensing unit. The auxiliary storage and dispensing unit is
for use with a computer controlled supply and medication dispensing
station. The unit comprises a tall cabinet defining an interior
cavity accessible through a front opening. The front opening is
accessed through one or more doors whose size and location along
the front of the cabinet may be varied. The doors may be joined
together to provide access to larger portions of the interior
cavity in the case of large items stored therein. The doors remain
locked until opened under the control of a computer within the
supply and medication dispensing station to which the auxiliary
storage and dispensing unit is attached.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,455 is directed to methods for
dispensing items. The '455 patent discloses a dispensing unit
comprised of a plurality of locations in which items are held, a
processor in which records corresponding to the items are stored,
and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in
which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the
processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records
of items removed from the unit into the processor. Preferred
embodiments include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in
the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations
in which the items are held. On selection of a desired item from a
list of items held by the unit, the visual indicator corresponding
to the item is actuated so that the user can locate the desired
item quickly and conveniently with the help of the visual
indicator.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,456 discloses improved methods and
apparatus for providing access to items to be dispensed and for
maintaining an inventory of the items. According to one aspect of
the invention, a dispensing unit is provided having an enclosure
with an interior. A plurality of storage locations are distributed
over a surface of the enclosure. Sensors associated with at least
some of the individual storage locations are provided. The unit
further includes a multiplicity of receptacles disposed within at
least some of the storage locations. Sensors associated with at
least some of the individual receptacles are provided. A processor
is disposed on the enclosure and connected to receive signals from
the storage location-associated sensors and the
receptacle-associated sensors.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,905,653 is directed to methods and devices
for dispensing pharmaceuticals and medical supply items from a
dispensing unit. The dispensing unit is comprised of a processor
and a cabinet having a plurality of drawers which are lockable
within the cabinet by a locking mechanism. The drawers include a
plurality of bins for holding the pharmaceutical or medical supply
items. The processor includes a record of the items held within
each drawer and which items may be accessed by specific users or
user types. According to the method, user identification
information is entered into the processor to identify a user that
is requesting access to one of the pharmaceutical or medical supply
items held in the dispensing unit. The processor then determines
which drawer or drawers may be unlocked for access by the user by
comparing the user identification information with the record of
which items may be accessed by specific users. A signal is sent
from the processor to unlock at least one of the drawers to which
the user may have access. Touch sensitive buttons disposed on the
drawers may be used to indicate removal of items.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,366 is directed to improved methods and
apparatus for providing access to items to be dispensed and for
maintaining an inventory of the items. According to one aspect of
the invention, a dispensing unit is provided having an enclosure
with an interior. A plurality of storage locations in the form of
retractable drawers are provided. Sensors associated with at least
some of the individual storage locations are provided. Information
about the user and the item to be dispensed may be used to
determine the drawers to which the user may have access.
[0010] While the prior art illustrates a variety of apparatus and
methods for controlling the dispensing of medications and/or
medical supplies, the need exists for an improved method of
identifying to users of dispensing devices where various items to
be dispensed are located. The prior art typically relies upon the
illumination of an LED, which may be difficult to spot in a large
bank of cabinets or may be overlooked if there is more than one LED
on any particular drawer or compartment. Thus, the need exists for
improved methods of identifying locations within a dispensing
device where desired items may be located.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is directed to a method of operating a
dispensing cabinet to identify the locations where items to be
dispensed are located. The method is comprised of a login step in
which user information is entered into a processor controlling the
dispensing cabinet. The processor unlocks certain doors of the
dispensing cabinet in response to the entered user information and
stored user information. Assuming that a locate mode of operation
has been chosen, the user enters identifying information for the
items to be located. Using the entered information and certain
stored information, the locations of the items to be located are
determined by the processor. An alpha-numeric display positioned on
a shelf within the cabinet begins flashing with the number of items
to be located that are held by that shelf. After the user
identifies the shelves having flashing alpha-numeric displays, the
user may enter a dispense mode or may logoff causing the unlocked
doors to lock.
[0012] The dispense mode may be entered from the locate mode by
identifying the compartment having the item to be dispensed by, for
example, activating a touch sensitive switch. The flashing
alpha-numeric display is continuously lit to display the value "0".
The quantity of items to be dispensed can be removed from the
compartment and a keypad used to input the quantity of items
dispensed. The quantity of items dispensed may be displayed on the
alpha-numeric display. When all of the items have been located or
located and dispensed, the user may logoff.
[0013] The present invention provides a substantial visual
indication of the shelf carrying the desired item to be located
through the flashing alpha-numeric display. Additionally, the
dispense mode may be entered after an item is located which is the
same as the normal dispense mode such that the user need not learn
two different modes of dispensing depending on how the dispensing
mode was entered. Those, and other advantages and benefits will
become apparent from the Description of the Preferred Embodiments
herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For the present invention to be easily understood and
readily practiced, preferred embodiments will now be described, for
purposes of illustration and not limitation, in connection with the
following figures in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing unit of the type on which
the methods of the present invention may be practiced;
[0016] FIGS. 2A and 2B provide a front view of a switch panel at
the front of a shelf on which compartments for holding items are
defined by a plurality of movable dividers;
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the processor of the
dispensing unit;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the dispensing mode;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the locate mode;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the query mode; and
[0021] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate screens which may be used in
conjunction with the query mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing unit 10 of the type on which
the methods of the present invention may be practiced. Although the
dispensing unit 10 is discussed in an environment in which
medications and/or medical supplies are dispensed, other types of
items may be dispensed. As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing unit 10
is comprised of several (usually three to five) vertical cabinets
12 each optionally having wheels or casters 15. The cabinets 12 are
divided by a number of shelves 20. Each shelf 20 may be subdivided
into a number of individual compartments 22 by vertical dividers 25
carried by the shelves 20. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2A,
horizontal dividers 26, which run perpendicular to the vertical
dividers 25, may be provided to divide a shelve 20 into a matrix of
small individual compartments 23. The shelves 20 and dividers 25,
26 are individually movable (or removable) so that the height and
width of the compartments 22, and the height, width and depth of
compartments 23 can be changed as desired to accommodate a variety
of items of varying size. Additionally, the shelves 20 may be
provided with rollers (not shown) or other types of mechanism well
known in the art to allow the shelves to be pulled out like a
drawer. The pull-out capability is particularly useful for shelves
divided into a matrix of small compartments 23 as shown in FIG.
2A.
[0023] Each of the cabinets 12 is enclosed by one or more doors 28
each having a handle 30. Electronically controlled locks (not
shown) behind door handles 30 control access to the items housed in
the cabinets 12 in response to commands sent from a processor 33.
Operation of the processor 33 is described in detail below.
Although the processor 33 is optionally carried by one of the
cabinets 12, it controls all of the cabinets 12 connected to it.
Doors 28, and optionally the sides and tops of the cabinets 12, may
be made of transparent material so that the items housed in the
cabinets 12 are easily visible.
[0024] The number of shelves 20 and the vertical spacing between
the shelves can be varied by inserting or removing individual
shelves in cabinets 12. Vertical members 34 of cabinets 12 may be
provided with ports or openings 35 into which brackets or drawer
suspension mechanisms may be inserted for supporting the shelves 20
at variable locations.
[0025] FIG. 2A depicts a switch panel 36, located at the front of a
shelf 20, as well as a plurality of removable dividers 25, 26 which
define a number of compartments 23 across the width and depth of
the shelf. FIG. 2B depicts the switch panel 36, located at the
front of a shelf 20, as well as a plurality of removable dividers
25 which define a number of compartments 22 across the width of the
shelf. The height of the compartments 22, 23 is defined by the
spacing between adjacent shelves 20 as described above. The number,
width and depth of the compartments are defined by inserting or
removing dividers 25, 26 as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A
depicts a shelf for which dividers 25 have been inserted to define
a column of compartments 23 corresponding to each one of a number
of individual touch-activated item switches 42 on the front of
switch panel 36; FIG. 2B depicts a shelf for which dividers 25 have
been inserted to define compartments 22 each corresponding to one
of a number of individual touch-activated item switches 42 on the
front of switch panel 36.
[0026] If one or more wider compartments are desired to accommodate
larger items, then one or more of the dividers 25 may be removed
from the shelf as depicted in FIG. 2B. An opaque cover 44 may then
snapped into place over a corresponding one of the item switches 42
on switch panel 36. In that way, compartments of various widths may
be provided with one exposed item switch 42 associated with each
individual compartment 22 or column of compartments 23. The
positioning of the item switches 42 relative to the dividers 25 is
such that, no matter the width of the compartment, the one exposed
item switch corresponding to the compartment is below and near one
end (the left end in FIG. 2B) of the compartment. Identifying
information such as the item name or item number may be written
onto labels 45 on the switch panel 36 in close proximity to the
item switches 42. Identifying information may also be written on
labels on the horizontal and/or vertical dividers.
[0027] Touch-activated item switches 42 are used to gather
inventory information as items are taken from and restocked into
the compartments. Additionally, each item switch 42 has a visual
indicator 46 located near it. Visual indicators 46 may be in the
form of small light sources, preferably light emitting diodes
(LEDs). Finally, each switch panel 36 includes a display 48, which
may be an alpha-numeric display, and a keypad, e.g., a series of
buttons labeled 1 through 9 and "clear," near one end (the right
end in FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the switch panel 36. The operation of
the switches 42, visual indicators 46, display 48 and keypad 49 is
described in more detail below.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 1, the processor 33 has a front face
51, shown in FIG. 3, including a display panel 52 (which may
optionally have a touch screen) and an alpha numeric keypad 53. The
display panel 52 will display a variety of different information
depending upon the mode of operation selected, e.g. dispense,
locate, return, or restock. If a touch-screen display panel is
used, the programming of the display panel 52 may be such that the
keypad 53 may be eliminated in certain circumstances. Optionally,
the processor 33, display panel 52, and keypad 53 may be
implemented using a standard PC.
[0029] A flow-chart illustrating the logic of a dispensing mode
performed by the unit 10 is depicted in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the
process begins at step 60 where the user logs in. Login may be by
entry of identification numbers via keypad 53, via electronic data
exchange (i.e., barcode scanning, communication with an input
device, etc.), or picking items off of a pick list displayed on
touch-screen 52. Thus, the manner of entering user information is
not important to the present invention.
[0030] At step 64 the processor 33, using the user entered data and
stored data, determines the level of access to which the user is
entitled and unlocks the relevant doors 28. Next, at step 64, the
user identifies a patient. Patient identification may be by entry
of identification numbers via keypad 53, via electronic data
exchange (i.e., barcode scanning, communication with an input
device, etc.), or picking items off of a pick list displayed on
touch-screen 52. Thus, the manner of entering patient information
is not important to the present invention.
[0031] At step 66, the user chooses a mode of operation. In FIG. 4,
it is assumed that the user has chosen the dispense mode.
[0032] After choosing the dispense mode of operation, at step 68,
the user opens those * doors 28 which have been unlocked and behind
which items are located which the user desires. At step 70, the
user pushes the touch activated switch 42 associated with the
compartment 22 containing the item to be dispensed. At the time
that touch activated switch 42 is activated, the visual indicator
46 associated with that switch is lit.
[0033] In the event that the drawer is divided into a matrix of
compartments 23, activation of the touch activated switch 42 will
identify a column of compartments 23. Thereafter, the user may use
the keypad 49 to identify the appropriate compartment 23 within the
column.
[0034] After the appropriate compartment has been identified, the
user will use keypad 49 to identify the quantity of items taken.
For example, if three items are to be taken, the push button for
the number "3" will be pushed. That will cause the number "3" to be
illuminated on alpha numeric display 48. Thereafter, at step 74,
additional items may be taken from the same or a different shelf.
If no more items are needed, the user may close the door at step 76
and return to the computer 33 to log off or, as shown by step 75,
may return to step 64 to identify another patient for whom a
dispense operation is desired. At log off, the transaction is saved
and records within processor 33 are reconciled to reflect the
items, and quantity of each item, that were dispensed.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the locate mode of
operation. Step 60, 62 and 64 are the same as previously discussed
in conjunction with FIG. 4. However, at step 66, it is assumed in
FIG. 5 that the user chooses the locate mode.
[0036] At step 80, the user then identifies items to be located.
These items will preferable be selected from a pick list, but could
be entered using the keypad 53, scanning a barcode from an
inventory list, or other manner of input. The processor, using the
user entered information and stored information, determines where
the item, or items are located.
[0037] At step 82, the processor 33 causes the display 48 on each
self 20 which contains an item to be located to flash. If one item
is located on that shelf, the alpha numeric display 48 flashes the
number "1". If two items are located, the display flashes the
number "2", etc. At this point, the user may simply close any doors
that may have been opened and log off as shown by the dotted line
leading to step 76. The user may use the locate mode to ensure that
items which will be needed later are stocked in the unit 10.
However, after locating the item, the user may decide that the item
is to be dispensed. In that case, the process proceeds with step
84.
[0038] At step 84, the user opens the door in front of a shelf 20
having a flashing display 48. The user locates the item to be
dispensed on the shelf, and pushes the touch activated switch 42
for that compartment 22. In the case of a matrix of compartments
23, the touch activated switch 42 for the column of compartments 23
is activated, and the user uses the keypad 49 to select the
particular compartment 23. When the compartment has been selected,
the alpha numeric display 48 stops flashing and is reset to "0".
The visual indicator 46 associated with the selected compartment 23
is lit as indicated by step 86.
[0039] At step 88, the quantity of items to be dispensed is removed
and entered on keypad 49. The quantity entered on keypad 49 will be
shown on display 48. If the user selects an item for which a
quantity has already been entered (i.e. through keypad 53 on
processor 33), the alpha-numeric display 48 displays the previously
entered quantity. If the user now presses another number on the
keypad 49, the alpha-numeric display 48 will display the sum of the
previously displayed quantity plus the new number pressed and a
signal sent to the processor 33 to set the quantity appropriately.
That functionality means that you cannot enter a two digit number
the second time around. If no more items are to be selected as
shown by decision step 90, and if no more patients are to be
dispensed for as shown by the decision step 75, the user logs off
at step 76 which is the same log off procedure as in FIG. 4. If
more items are to be located or if there are more patients for
which a dispense is desired, the user can still decide not remove
any more items at decision steps 92. In either case, the user may
proceed to close the doors and log off as shown by step 76.
[0040] The operation of the "clear" button, which may be part of
keypad 49 is as follows:
[0041] If the user presses the clear button when the alpha-numeric
display 48 is flashing the number of items found on a shelf, the
alpha-numeric display 48 is extinguished and the shelf operates as
if it were in a simple dispense mode.
[0042] If the user presses the clear button after selecting an item
by pushing the touch sensitive switch 42 for a compartment 22 but
not entering anything on the keypad 49, then the alpha-numeric
display 48 would extinguish as if no item had been selected.
[0043] If the user presses the clear button after selecting an item
and a quantity is selected, the alpha-numeric display 48 would go
to zero and a signal sent to the processor to set the quantity to
zero.
[0044] If the user reselects an item for which a quantity had
already been entered, the alphanumeric display 48 displays the
previously entered quantity; if the user now presses the clear
button, the alpha-numeric display 48 would go to zero and a signal
sent to the processor to set the quantity to zero (exactly as if it
had been the most recently entered item and quantity).
[0045] Turning to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the
query mode. The query mode starts off the same as the other modes
with the user login at step 60, the unlocking of doors at step 62
to provide access to items which the user has authority to remove
and, the identification of a patient at step 64. At step 66, it is
assumed that the query mode is selected. Thereafter, at step 94, an
item is identified. The item may be selected from a pick list, but
could be entered using the keypad 53, scanning a bar code from an
inventory list, or other manner of input. The processor 33 then
displays information about the identified item at step 96.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a screen shot of the display 52, for example, for
a medication. It may be that for certain items, such as
medications, there are numerous types of information which can be
provided, such as drug interaction information, contraindications,
typical dosing information, etc. In those cases, the user would
select the desired information using the keypad 53 or, in the case
of a touch sensitive screen 52, the touch screen. The processor 33
would then display the selected information. For example, assuming
in FIG. 7 that drug interaction information, selection 1, was
selected, a screen shot of the information that might be shown is
illustrated in FIG. 8. After the drug interaction information, the
user may be provided with options such as (1)--return to "select
information screen," (2)--choose another item, (3)--dispense mode
or (4)--end query mode.
[0047] If selection 1 is chosen, the user would be returned to the
screen shown in FIG. 7 so that the user could select additional
information to be displayed. If there were only one screen of
information to be displayed, then the options of returning to the
"select information screen," identifying another item, dispense
mode and end query mode would appear at the end of that screen.
[0048] Assuming that in FIG. 8 option 2--identifying another
item--is selected. As a result, in step 98 the process returns to
step 94. If option 3--dispense mode--is chosen, then in step 100
the process flow continues with step 68 in FIG. 4, which is the
normal dispense mode. If the "end query mode" is selected, i.e.,
another item is not identified and the dispense mode is not to be
entered, then the doors are closed and the user logs off as shown
by step 76.
[0049] The present invention provides the advantage of a flashing
alpha-numeric display on each shelf containing at least one item
which is to be located. Furthermore, the display flashes the number
of items to be located which are on that shelf Thereafter, it is a
straightforward matter for the user to identify the appropriate
compartment from the limited number of compartments carried by that
shelf. Furthermore, the locate mode of the present invention
enables a user to end the locate mode and enter the dispense mode.
The dispense mode which is entered is the same as the normal
dispense mode so that users need not learn different methods of
dispensing based on how the dispense mode was entered. The query
mode provides the user with access to valuable information in a
convenient manner. The normal dispense mode can be entered from the
query mode so that once a user understands how to operate the
dispense mode, that mode is the same no matter how it is
entered.
[0050] Although units 10 of the type disclosed are also capable of
operating in restock and return modes, those modes of operation do
not form a feature of the present invention and therefore are not
disclosed. The aforementioned prior art discloses a number of
return and restock modes and the reader is directed to those prior
art patents if more information is desired regarding those modes of
operation.
[0051] In preferred embodiments, the processor 33 is electronically
connected to the hospital's central record keeping system and the
pharmacy and/or materials management systems. From time to time,
the records corresponding to items taken from the unit are sent to
the central record keeping system for billing purposes while the
same information may be sent to the pharmacy and/or materials
management for restocking and reordering purposes. In the preferred
embodiments, the modes of operation are carried out under the
control of the processor 33 executing software instructions stored
in any suitable manner, e.g., storage devices such as a hard drive
(102 in FIG. 1), floppy disk, etc. Additionally, certain
instructions or information may be stored in a location remote from
processor 33 location, which is accessed via a communication link
(not shown).
[0052] The invention has been described in considerable detail for
purposes of facilitating its understanding. However, alternative
uses for the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. In
particular, although the invention has been described as being
especially useful for dispensing medications and medical supplies,
the invention may be used advantageously in other settings as well.
Furthermore, modifications and improvements may be made without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore,
the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of
the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention should be
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the
full scope of equivalents to which those claims may be
entitled.
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